Lincoln hotels

Positioned on the aptly named Steep Hill, this small boutique B&B is one of the best hotels in Lincoln. Set within easy walking distance of Lincoln's famed cathedral and castle, it’s the ideal location for soaking up the city's many charms.

Located in a red-brick former parish hall, I'm a big fan of the rooms at The Rest. All 10 are beautifully appointed and come with modern bathrooms and small kitchenettes. While they’re not large, they are very comfortable with elegant furniture and vintage-style chandeliers.

Part of the building has been transformed into a café where breakfast is served each morning. The weather was on our side when we visited, so we were able to enjoy our bacon and eggs with views of the cathedral from the terrace. For dinner, I recommend making a reservation at The Old Bakery nearby. Located in a converted Victorian bakery, this award-winning restaurant creates delicious dishes using seasonal ingredients.

Positioned in the oldest part of Lincoln, between the city's 900-year-old Norman castle and the magnificent Gothic cathedral, The White Hart Hotel has been part of the city’s landscape since the 14th century.

Originally built as a lodgings house for King Richard II, today The White Hart is one of the best hotels in Lincoln. It’s also a popular spot for eating and drinking—the Colonnade cocktail bar is a lively spot for classy drinks while the sophisticated Gibson Club Bar is perfect for a post-dinner digestif.

Not surprisingly given the age and layout of the building, the 49 elegant bedrooms vary drastically in size. If you can, I recommend booking The King Edward or Brownlow suites. These are both spacious and come with picture postcard views of the cathedral.

The Bailgate is one of Lincoln's most colourful areas, a series of narrow streets that connect the cathedral to the Roman-built Newport Arch. Today, the small lanes are lined with shops, restaurants and places to stay, including the 17th-century Duke William Hotel.

The Duke William is a wonderful, historical spot and easily one of the top hotels in Lincoln. Filled with charm and character, there's lots to love about this old hotel, from the original sash windows and wooden floorboards to the comfy beds and homemade cookies. For families, there’s also a separate self-catering cottage that sleeps four.

The other reason to book a stay at the Duke William Hotel is their award-winning restaurant. We enjoyed an excellent Sunday lunch here, feasting on delicious pork belly and crackling.

Sitting on the outskirts of Lincoln is the family-owned Washingborough Hall Hotel, a handsome Grade II-listed Georgian mansion set in three acres of landscaped gardens and woodlands. The building used to be the rectory for the next-door church, but today Washingborough Hall is a 4-star property.

I visited for afternoon tea, and the generous spread of sandwiches, scones and cakes is certainly one good reason to book a stay here. We enjoyed roast gammon finger sandwiches and homemade passion fruit tart in the cozy bar area, but during warmer months there's also a small sunny terrace overlooking the front garden.

I highly recommend checking into a room in the main house. These are decorated with brightly patterned wallpapers, luxurious soft furnishings and antique furniture. My favourite is the Four Poster Bedroom with its fairytale-like wooden four-poster bed.

Saving money shouldn’t mean sacrificing good service or comfortable stays, which is where Damon's Hotel comes in. This modern hotel on the outskirts of Lincoln offers excellent value for money and incredibly comfortable rooms.

There are 47 guestrooms to choose from, but it's hard to look past the Hot Tub Suites that come with enormous king-size beds and a private outdoor terrace and hot tub. If one’s not available when you stay, then go for the Superior Double Room with its traditional rolltop bath.

Make sure to visit nearby Doddington Hall & Gardens while you’re here. This stunning Elizabethan mansion was built in 1595 and has been continuously inhabited by families throughout the centuries. It's open to visitors and is one of my favourite places to visit in Lincoln thanks to its eclectic collection of furniture and artworks.

The charming Bridleway Bed and Breakfast is one of my top boutique stays in Lincoln. This delightful gem is set just on the outskirts of town and is the perfect city-countryside retreat.

The property's four guestrooms sit in converted outbuildings opposite the family farmhouse. Each one has been individually designed, and great care has been taken in selecting the right furniture and soft furnishings. I'm particularly fond of the country-themed Harris Room, named after owner Jane's old chestnut horse, Harris.

As befits one of the best hotels in Lincoln, a generous breakfast is delivered to your door daily, and Jane can help with restaurant recommendations. There are lots of other lovely personal touches, but perhaps the best one ties in with Jane's artistic talents. If you send in a photo of your pet when you book, she’ll paint a portrait for you to collect after your stay.

The Brayford Pool is the oldest inland harbour in England and was once a busy port surrounded by mills and breweries. In recent years, the area has been redeveloped and the newly named Brayford Waterfront is now one of Lincoln's most exciting neighbourhoods.

It's here that you’ll find the Holiday Inn Lincoln. This branch of the always reliable hotel chain offers stylish rooms (request one with a waterfront view if you can), a gym and a light-filled restaurant where a generous buffet breakfast is served every morning.

What really makes this hotel stand out, however, is its location close to dozens of drinking and dining options. I highly recommend trying a Dark Night cocktail on board the Barge cocktail bar. You should also make time to follow the Brayford Architecture Trail to learn more about this historic area that dates back to Roman times.

When it comes to unique places to stay, it's hard to beat The Old Palace Lodge. Located in a converted Victorian chapel in Lincoln's historic quarter, the address couldn’t be more convenient. But it's the guestrooms that make this hideaway one of the best hotels to stay in Lincoln.

The 16 rooms are bursting with original features, from stone-mullioned Gothic windows to aged wooden beams and large stained-glass windows. My favourite is the cozy ground-floor suite that boasts double-height ceilings and tall church windows, as well as a romantic half-canopy king-size bed.

When you’re ready to explore, I recommend joining one of Lincoln’s Free Walking Tours. Led by entertaining and informative local guides, these popular tours run regularly throughout the year and are an excellent introduction to the city.

The delightful Poplars B&B sits in the heart of Lincoln. Set in a period property, it’s the creation of owners Martin and Heike, keen travellers who decided to create their own haven for visitors seeking a friendly and welcoming place to stay.

The result is a B&B that feels more like staying with friends than at a hotel. The guestrooms are cozy and thoughtfully decorated, while the bathrooms aren’t particularly large but are sparklingly clean. The generous breakfasts are guaranteed to set you up for a day's sightseeing.

Martin and Heike are excellent hosts and can recommend dozens of things to see and do. Once you’ve seen the main sights, I highly recommend a visit to the Museum of Lincolnshire Life, which focuses on life in the region from 1750 to the present day.

For a room with a view, look no further than the Castle Hotel & Apartments. Located between the city's two main landmarks, every one of the 18 rooms comes with views of either the medieval castle or the Gothic cathedral (except for the Gibson and Courtyard rooms).

The elegant rooms are all lovely, but my favourites are the new luxury suites at the top of the hotel that enjoy views over historic Lincoln. If you’re visiting with kids, the charming Castle Cottage is ideal, offering two bedrooms and a private outdoor courtyard.

The other reason this is considered one of the best hotels in Lincoln is because it’s located right around the corner from Hobbsons Restaurant & Pie Shop. Housed in a 17th-century building once home to Lawrence of Arabia, this popular family-run institution is the place to pick up a traditional British pie.